Patterning by dynamically unstable spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates

Abstract

In a two-dimensional atomic Bose-Einstein condensate, we demonstrate Rashba spin-orbit coupling can always introduce dynamical instability into specific zero-quasimomentum states in all parameter regimes. During the evolution of the zero-quasimomentum states, such spin-orbit-coupling-induced instability can fragment the states and lead to a dynamically patterning process. The features of formed patterns are identified from the symmetries of the Bogoliubov-de Gennes Hamiltonian. We show that spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates provide an interesting platform for the investigation of pattern formations.